2010-02-10, 07:45 PM
CNN Wrote:Google testing super-fast broadband network
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Google said Wednesday that it will start testing a new broadband network that will deliver speeds of more than 100 times faster than traditional broadband.
The Internet search giant is aiming to link up with states and municipalities to build and test a fiber-optic network that will offer download speeds of about 1 gigabit per second, according to a blog post on the company's Web site. Google said that speed would be fast enough to download a high-definition, full-length feature film in less than five minutes.
The company said the network would offer wire-line service directly to consumers' homes at "a competitive price." The network will be built by Google, but consumers will be able to choose their service provider. Google expects the test will provide its service to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people.
"Our long-term vision is to see a better, faster Internet," said Minnie Ingersoll, product manager of Google's high-speed broadband initiative. "When everyone had dial up, we couldn't imagine what broadband speeds would be like. By increasing speeds by 100 times faster than what's offered today, we can create opportunities for services that we won't even be able to envision now."
What. 1GB speeds. WHAT.